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[tomoyajpeg]

hello! is it alright to use your translations for a twitter quote bot (with credit)? the account is @quoteurenstars!

that's alright, yes! thank you for asking & for including credit! ( ´ ꒳ ` )

[tomoyajpeg]

White Brim | Epilogue 2

[ powered by ois~su ♪ ]

Tori: Mmph, really... I can’t think of anything to say.

It’s weird. I lost that badly, but I don’t really feel frustrated about it.

Eichi: Well, you all did your best too, didn’t you? It wouldn’t have been strange if everything was over and done with a little quicker, but unexpectedly you were able to persevere until the very last moment.

Tsukasa: Tomoe-onii-sama was truly a thorn in our sides... I would have never thought that a “fish” would be armed.

Hiyori: Fufu. It might be simple to abandon your social standing, but the bounds of the world of the living won’t disappear so easily. That’s exactly why discrimination won’t ever disappear, either.

Whether it’s a convenient, carefully thought out form of amusement or the setting of a game, real-world problems aren’t able to just up and vanish.

Eichi: Mhm. You poked a hole in the fragile rules of our game. I’ll commend you for this much, Hiyori-kun, your unexpected cunning was operating at full capacity.

Hiyori: Not as much as yours was, Eichi-kun. Are you, perhaps, a demon of some sort?

Eichi: I’ll take that as a compliment.

Tori: .......

Eichi: Hm? What’s wrong, Tori? I mean, you were completely deceived, emotionally devastated, and then lost our game on top of that, so are you feeling a little down?

Have you become disillusioned with me?

Tori: No... the angelic Eichi-sama who shines so beautifully onstage, and the devilish Eichi-sama who tricks everyone and triumphs in the end...

I love both of them. I’ve been saying that from the very beginning, haven’t I?

Eichi: That’s true. When you thought I’d died, your tears were real. Even I cannot doubt that radiance.

Eichi: You really do care about someone like me.

Tori: Yeah. Even though it looks like you have a lot of trouble believing that.

So, just like you did this time, even if it’s just a little bit, I want you to tell me more about yourself. I want to know and love everything about my beloved Eichi-sama.

Don’t hide away anymore, or try to cover things up, or pretend to be anything different. Don’t show me the fake Eichi-sama that you want me to see, show me the real thing.

From now on, please. Don’t keep me at a distance.

Eichi: I’ll endeavor to do so. I promise.

And I hope that when I really do die, you’re at least able to smile just a little. I’d like it to be a farewell that doesn’t leave you grieving in the very depths of despair.

I’ll teach you about my everything, little by little. I just pray that you won’t be crushed to pieces under its weight.

Tori: .......♪

Tsukasa: Fufu. It seems that Tori-kun has, at long last, finally reached the same point as I.

I am reminded anew of the importance of what I was able to obtain from Leader— from Leo-san.

Tori: And why do you look so triumphant?

Tsukasa: Well, I quite naturally ended up on the winning team this time, did I not? It feels as if the frustration earned from my crushing defeat at the hands of Crazy:B has cleared up to some extent. ♪

Eichi: Mhm. Your straightforward nature is a virtue, but there are no true straight lines in the natural world. You should remember to be a little more flexible in how you handle the situation in front of you.

Tsukasa: Yes. I shall take to heart what I have learned from this lesson, Tenshouin-onii-sama. ♪

Now, then. While it has been very enjoyable to reminisce about last night’s game and chat like this, I’m sure that you all must have your own affairs to return to—

Tsukasa: So I would like to immediately partake in my “winner’s privilege.”

Tori: ? What are you talking about?

Eichi: Fufu. Since this is such a special occasion, I’ll let you in on another evil, no-good side of mine, Tori.

Sometimes, rather than lying, the more effective option is to not tell the truth.

Tori: ...?

Eichi: I told Anzu-chan and Tsukasa-kun about it, and Hiyori-kun already knew about it and simply chose to keep quiet. It just so happens that the winner of “clamming” is allowed to make the loser their servant for just one day.

Tsukasa: Yes. And that is what I meant by “winner’s privilege,” the reward earned from emerging victorious. It’s a very special benefit.

Tori: Huh? Did you say “servant”...? So we were humiliated by losing, and now we have to be even more humiliated on top of that?

Eichi: The winner takes it all, and the loser has everything taken from them... He~y, Anzu-chan, it’s time for the costume you worked so hard on to make its proper debut.

Tori: Huh? Huh? Anzu, why are your eyes suddenly sparkling like that...!?

Tsukasa: Fufu. If you think about it, Onee-sama tricking and betraying Tori-kun is quite out of the ordinary for her, but this was her aim all along.

Onee-sama has always had an unrestrained longing to dress us all in adorable outfits, hasn’t she?

To be honest, I don’t quite comprehend that feeling, but as I hold such great love for you, Onee-sama— I would like to understand it.

Tsukasa: And so, with that said; come along now, Tori-kun. For the whole of today, you shall be my adorable maid. ♪

Eichi: And Hiyori-kun is my maid. ♪ Ah, don’t run away! It’s not like this is your first time, right?

Hiyori: T-this is why I never want to go to parties Eichi-kun’s place is hosting in the first place!

I don’t really mind wearing a cute costume, but I definitely don’t want to be manhandled and ordered around by Eichi-kun!

Eichi: How about you just chalk it all up to bad luck and give in?

Even though I’m sure you wanted to be on the “fisherman” team this year, defeat me and win, and then be in a position to order me around as you like...

Unfortunately for you, in reality it just didn’t turn out that way.

Hiyori: Uuu, this sucks! I’ll win next year, okay!? And then I’ll have you pay me back for this humiliation a billion times over!

Eichi: Isn’t that exactly what someone who always loses his bets would say?

Tsukasa: Indeed. If you’re frustrated, you should just win next time.

...I, as well, will not lose a second time.

Tori: N-no! No way! I’m telling you, I lost to Eichi-sama! I did not lose to Tsukasa!

If it’s a rule, then there’s nothing I can do about it, but at least let me be Eichi-sama’s servant! I don’t want Tsukasa!

Tsukasa: Now, now, don’t throw such a violent tantrum, and stop flailing around. Are you a toddler?

Tori: Uwaaaaa~n! Stop it! Don’t make me wear it, don’t put that maid-like white frilly thing on my head!

Eichi: To obtain anything, there must be equal compensation, Tori.

If you don’t want to be fitted with the mark of a loser, that servant-like white brim a second time— grow stronger, become an adult.

And next time, win.

Fortunately, I’m sure that from now on there will be countless opportunities to do so.

Tori: I-I’ve already learned my lesson~! Whether it’s something important or not, just teach me about it like a normal person, Eichi-sama!

If you’re too mean, I’m going to end up hating you, okay!?

Eichi: Ahaha. Well, for starters, let’s teach you how to tell a believable lie...

[ ☆ ]

[tomoyajpeg]

White Brim | Epilogue 1

[ powered by ois~su ♪ ]

Time: The next day

Location: At the “Clamming” Wrap Party venue.

Tori: T-that was terrible. That was really way too mean, Eichi-sama.

Eichi: Ah-ha-ha-ha! ☆

Hiyori: And just whaaat are you laughing about, you rotten bastard?

Eichi: Ah, that hurts! I’m against violence! “Clamming” is already over, Hiyori-kun, any further attacks against me will be punishable by law!

Hiyori: Shut it. Tori-ku~n, you’ve finally come to understand what Eichi-kun’s really like this time, yeah? How about you give up on him and come be my kid, okay?

Tori: T-that’s not going to happen... I have a home where I belong, so.

And, um. Ehehe, it might be weird to say so, but— I’m happy.

That Eichi-sama fought against me seriously, that is.

Eichi: Did I surprise you? Here’s what the strategy was. First, I pretended to be dead, so as to throw you, who had been sneaking up on me, into turmoil.

While in a state of panic, you became much less alert to your surroundings.

And then, from behind, someone you never would have suspected appeared— Anzu-chan, who shot you with a gun.

Tori: I got tricked by Anzu, too~! Awful, awful, you’re all just awful! I’m going to lose all faith in humanity!

Hiyori: Ahaha. I was totally fooled, too. Because Anzu-chan didn’t have a knife or a gun, we both came to the conclusion that she was a “fish.”

But just like when I armed myself despite being a “fish,” there are exceptions to everything.

Eichi: Right, you can always just put down your own belongings. The only visible difference between “fishermen” and “fish” is whether they’re armed or not.

Tori: Uuu! I should have been way more suspicious when Anzu said she’d lost all the rest of her stuff! There’s no way that could have really happened!

Eichi: I agree. Flashlights and the like are absolutely vital in order to be able to walk around the dark “clamming” grounds.

Even though she said she had lost everything, Anzu-chan was perfectly calm—

Not because she was brave, but because she was in a position where nobody would target her. Because she was a “fisherman” that was not the “king.”

For someone in that position, “clamming” was nothing more than a midnight stroll. Even if what was underfoot was uncertain, there was no reason to be afraid.

Tori: Uuu! I was tricked! Anzu said she’d carelessly lost all her stuff, but she wasn’t worried at all!

But I really thought that Anzu would never try and trick me~!

Eichi: Now, don’t go berating Anzu-chan. I thought that if it was Anzu-chan, she could fool not just the very sincere Tori-kun, but Hiyori-kun as well, so I requested that she put on that kind of performance.

In order to win at that game called “clamming,” of course.

Tsukasa: By the way, Tenshouin-onii-sama requested that I put on a similar performance. To what extent did he plan all of this out in advance, I wonder?

Hiyori: That’s right! I didn’t realize that at all, either! I got fooled again!

Tsukasa: Fufu. In fact, I was the “king” of the “fishermen” all along.

Therefore, even if your surprise attack had been successful, you still would not have claimed victory.

There was no point in touching Tenshouin-onii-sama at all.

Eichi: Exactly. When you touched me, thinking that I was the “king” and you had won, you would let out a shout of victory...

...And let your guard down. After that, the real “king”— Tsukasa-kun would gun you down and you’d be totally annihilated. Well, that was one plan, anyway. It’s only natural to have a backup plan as well as a backup backup plan in place, just in case.

Hiyori: And so the strategist drowns himself in schemes... how typical. Well, our Ibara has always been like that, too.

Eichi: Ah, but we are fishermen, so we wouldn’t drown.

Just kidding. I was actually crossing a pretty risky bridge, here. Even though Tsukasa-kun held the position of “king,” he wanted to settle his personal bond with Tori-kun in a rather dramatic way.

However, the “king” is the one and only weak point of the “fishermen.” If Tsukasa-kun were to move around recklessly it would cause a lot of problems for us, so I really broke my back persuading him not to.

There was always the possibility that you would be eavesdropping on us, so I had to make the contents of our conversation as vague as possible.

No matter what, I couldn’t allow you to figure out that Tsukasa-kun was the actual “king.”

Be that as it may, the end result was our victory. I’ve really grown quite used to this kind of high-stakes balancing act.

[ ☆ ]

[tomoyajpeg]

White Brim | BATTLEROYAL/11

[ powered by ois~su ♪ ]

Hiyori: Tsukasa-kun from the Suou family!

Tsukasa: .......!?

Hiyori: Speaking as someone with experience in this area, listening seriously to anything Eichi-kun says is a huge waste of time!

Tsukasa: ...I am much obliged to you for your advice.

Be that as it may, the value of taking advice from a buffoon who rushes alone into the lair of his enemy is—

(No! Tomoe-onii-sama tends to play the fool, and thus he is looked down upon and seen as a good-for-nothing son, but! He should not be this much of a thoughtless idiot!)

(There’s no way that such a fool would be able to push past a line of strong rivals and get to shine at the very peak of ES!)

(This is someone who was made a “supreme general” during “SS”: Eden’s Tomoe Hiyori!)

(In summation! Tomoe-onii-sama’s aim is to...!?)

It’s a diversion! Attention all “fishermen,” be on your guard!

Hiyori: Aha, that was a quick call! I’d expect nothing less from samurai stock, from a child of a clan of fighters!

Tsukasa: I’m honored to receive such high praise! However, that does not mean I shall go easy on you!

(Tomoe-onii-sama must have armed himself while acting within his role as a “fish”! I’d like to think that his ammunition supply was cut off whilst he evaded our pursuit, but!)

(Such optimism is prohibited! I learned from “SS” that lions use their full strength even while hunting rabbits!)

(I must use the surrounding trees as cover, slowly approach Onii-sama, and hunt him down without fail!)

Hiyori: Aha, that’s the wrong choice! Like that, you’re too focused on protecting yourself, so no matter what you do it’ll take way too long to hunt me down!

You’re still inexperienced! That’s why you want to take to the front lines and show off how brave you are!

Tsukasa: You’re awfully talkative for someone on a battlefield...!

Hiyori: Well, there’s no point in giving you advice after you’re caught by us fish! Once you’d seen through the diversion, you should have done everything in your power to keep us from achieving what we’re aiming for!

Tsukasa: Your... aim is...!?

—! Tenshouin-onii-sama!

Hiyori: That’s right! We’re betting everything on a one-shot turnabout, featuring your “king,” Eichi-kun—

(—wait, huh? Something’s wrong, here.)

(Wasn’t our plan supposed to be that while I grabbed the attention of the “fishermen,” Anzu-chan and Tori-kun would sneeeak~ up on Eichi-kun?)

(It’s a little too quiet for that to have gone as planned! It’s Eichi-kun, so he definitely would have resisted or tried to get away, so where’s all the commotion...?)

(What happened!? What didn’t we take into account...!?)

Tori: A— ah, aah...

W-why...?

Hiyori: (Tori-kun!? Something’s wrong!)

Tsukasa: He’s the heart of this operation, then! Guh, even at this distance, and even with a firearm I’m unskilled with, I can...!

Hiyori: I won’t let you fire that gun!

Tsukasa: Aargh, please do not get in my way, Tomoe-onii-sama! It’s only Tori-kun that I must— with my own hand...!

Tori: —Shut UP!

Tsukasa and Hiyori: .......!?

Tori: Be... quiet. Please. Right now, my head, it’s all messed up—

Because, E-Eichi-sama...

Eichi: .......

Tori: Eichi-sama... is dead...

Hiyori: Wh— What do you mean?

Tori: I-I don’t know, either... Because, as long as we touch Eichi-sama, the “king,” the “fish” will win, so...

I snuck up behind him really quietly, but then Eichi-sama just collapsed. Look at his b-back! Th-there’s a sword sticking out of it—

Hiyori: (A sword? Ah, there really is! Unlike a gun, a sword doesn’t make a lot of noise, so you’d be able to kill someone without anybody noticing!)

(But who was the one to kill Eichi-kun? I mean, it’s Eichi-kun, the guy who caused bitterness and resentment basically everywhere he went, so I can’t even make a guess at who the culprit would be!)

(Maybe someone with a grudge against him was secretly hired as a servant by some family and took advantage of the situation to assassinate Eichi-kun...!?)

(I mean, if you think about it, “clamming” is the perfect opportunity! The nobles are basically unarmed, and the servants who usually act as bodyguards wouldn’t be around to protect them! They’d be left completely defenseless!)

(And that definitely applies to us, too! There’s a possibility that we could be the next targets! I’ve got to call out to everyone and get them to evacuate the area...!)

Tori: What’s going on, what’s going on, what’s going oooon?

Who!? Who was it!? Who could do something like this to Eichi-samaaAAA!?

Tsukasa: —Calm yourself, Tori-kun!

Tori:...!?

Tsukasa: Tenshouin-onii-sama was killed? He was having a face-to-face conversation with me just moments ago!

If he was killed, it would have to have been during the few moments I was distracted by Tomoe-onii-sama!

In other words, the criminal could not have gotten far! Search the surrounding area! Once you find the culprit, bring down divine punishment upon them!

Tori: T-Tsukasaaa... That’s i-impossible, I’m not a child who’s descended from warriors like you are...

And I d-don’t know anything about— killing, or being killed. T-that’s why, I couldn’t understand Eichi-sama’s feelings, either...

Tsukasa: Pull yourself together, Himemiya Tori! Are you not my lifelong rival!?

Tori: Uu, uuu! *Sob!* But, buuut...!

Eichi: Indeed—

Tori: .......!?

Eichi: —It is indeed because you are the way that you are, that I still cannot entrust everything to you.

[ ☆ ]

[tomoyajpeg]

White Brim | BATTLEROYAL/10

[ powered by ois~su ♪ ]

Eichi: You’re awfully long-winded, Tsukasa-kun. I wonder if Keito’s been a bad influence on the archery club.

Tsukasa: Hasumi-senpai has nothing to do with this! Please stop changing the subject!

Eichi: I believe that I’ve been speaking consistently this whole time. If you think my statements are scattered, it’s your own fault that you can’t connect the information in your head.

Tsukasa: .......

Eichi: Fufu. If you go silent so earnestly, thinking “maybe that is the case,” you’ll never be able to control those egoistical Knights of yours.

If you, too, want to be a “king” - a sovereign - you ought to learn that trying to keep everyone’s opinion in mind is an exercise in foolishness.

For example, let’s say that you’ve been obstinate up until now. Although you’re thoroughly acting like you want to settle things once and for all with that adorable Tori...

Tsukasa: Yes! In the previous battle, I was but a mere step away from cornering him, so next time I shall be certain to bring him down with my own two hands!

...We have similar familial circumstances, so if I didn’t have an opportunity like this, I wouldn’t be able to face him head-on. That’s why it has to be tonight.

Eichi: That’s true. Our fates are tied by blood to the houses we were born and raised in.

If you and Tori were to begin going at it in earnest, in the worst-case scenario it could lead to a bloody feud between your families.

This isn’t equivalent to classmates getting into a little fight just because they don’t like each other, the way commoners do. The two of you aren’t just high school students, you’re burdened with representing your entire family.

Tsukasa: Indeed. I, of course, understand that reasoning.

That is why I can normally only get into trivial arguments with that awful child, so my Frustration has accumulated.

Therefore, it’s precisely because I have the opportunity now that I...

Eichi: No. Therefore, that’s precisely why that wish of yours will never be granted.

Tsukasa: ...?

Eichi: Let’s start over from the beginning, Tsukasa-kun.

To begin with, “clamming” originated from a tragedy that unwound a long, long time ago.

I don’t know how much you’ve heard about the rise of our families from your parents...

But whatever you’ve heard has likely been glorified. That’s business as normal for the victors.

It’s a tale from long ago. One after another, we marched into lands of abundance as ill-mannered invaders and drove out the people who peacefully lived there.

And so, to put it simply, our family prospered by usurping resources from the natives.

This is the original sin shared by all those “noble people” who sprung up around Yumenosaki long ago, the burden they carry.

“Clamming” is a ritual to ensure we never forget that bloodstained history of ours.

That we are unsightly fishermen who grew fat on the overfishing of innocent fish.

Tsukasa: .......

Eichi: As expected of a family descended from warriors, will you settle your dispute with your fated rival fair and square, in a duel? In your mind, you must be imagining a glorious tale of heroism, right?

But let’s take a look at reality, Tsukasa-kun. We are demons who trample on the weak from our overwhelmingly advantageous position, gobbling up each and every one of them.

In your current state, where you’ve been divided into “fishermen” and “fish”, you won’t be able to settle things the way you wished for. You shouldn’t settle things like this.

This isn’t a proud duel. It’s taking your hated opponent and beating them to death while you have the upper hand - that’s just bullying.

Eichi: Is any further explanation of why I’m stopping you necessary?

Tsukasa: No... I apologize, Onii-sama. I’ve cooled my head.

I see, so our houses had such a gruesome past...

Eichi: Well, it’s more like a fairy tale. To err on the side of caution, I’ll make it clear now that I don’t know whether it’s true or false.

Besides, you’re an honest, kind, and good boy, so it seems like hearing about our history has hurt your heart.

The moral I got from listening to the legend of “clamming” is that any evil deed can be justified.

Tsukasa: ...?

Eichi: History is written by the victors. All we have to do is embellish the circulated history with some flowery language, and pretend to reflect on our actions behind the scenes just like this—

By carrying out a secret ritual that not a single soul knows about.

And thus we hold a memorial service for those we’ve trampled upon, comforting our own hearts.

We can eat delicious fish sashimi with the same mouth we use to promise that we’ll never allow such a tragedy to happen again. An empty promise, of course.

It really moved me, Tsukasa-kun. What’s beautiful is filthy, what’s filthy is beautiful— when something’s altogether far too hideous, on the contrary it seems as if it’s all the more lovely.

We never learned from our past mistakes. Why? Because we never thought they were mistakes.

And this isn’t some fairy tale from long ago. Even now, it’s our very common “everyday life” that gets reenacted again and again.

We continue to usurp and conquer. In Yumenosaki, in ES, we grow by stealing resources from others. Justifying those disgusting acts, then sometimes pretending to reflect on our actions.

Eichi: Living by devouring the weak for sustenance.

[ ☆ ]

[tomoyajpeg]

Hello~~ first i'd like to thank you for translating White brim!And I wanted to let you know that BATTLEROYAL/7 link redirects to the chapter 8 instead of the 7

ah! thank you for telling me! this should be fixed now. 乁( • ω •乁)

[tomoyajpeg]

BATTLEROYAL/9

One hour later...

Hiyori: Our current situation is remarkably bad. What amazingly foul weather.

Tori: Yeah... It’s not just on the level of “we’re probably going to lose,” it feels like our loss has already been decided.

Hiyori: I think we took Eichi-kun a little too lightly.

He’s the same type of person as our Ibara. In other words, he likes “this kind of thing” more than anything in the world, so it’s his speciality. It always has been.

Tori: (Right... the issue is Eichi-sama. Only Eichi-sama would be a problem big enough that we can’t ignore it.)

(If our enemy was just Tsukasa, I could win against him, easy. Yeah. Being cornered earlier was some sort of mistake.)

(Rather, that jerk from a warrior family just has good compatability with the rules of “clamming.”)

(But Eichi-sama’s so far above everyone else that there’s no point in thinking about compatibility.)

(Eichi-sama, the “fisherman,” had stationed soldiers at every single safe place Hiyori-sama worked so hard to run and find.)

(Even though “fishermen” are supposed to be in the overwhelming minority!)

(Eichi-sama collected precise information from detectors (radars) and stuff, and in the blink of an eye he seized control over the area - the game board.)

(Then, by precisely moving his fellow “fishermen,” he disposed of us, the “fish.” Like an efficient fishing boat that uses a net.)

(They flawlessly anticipated where we’d be and where we’d run to, so their soldiers got there first and hunted us down in the blink of an eye.)

(I wonder if the clever Hiyori-sama is unique, the only one able to counter Eichi-sama’s ingenuity — somehow, we’re surviving, but...)

(Maybe it’s just as simple as “it’ll be boring if they’re disposed of too quickly,” and they’re making us swim around in circles, like fish put in an aquarium.)

(For Eichi-sama, this isn’t even a war. It’s not even a hunt. He’s admiring us, as we panic and run around trying to escape.)

Tori:(That’s how different it is.)

(It’s probably not anything more than a thoroughly abridged summary, but I’ve heard the story. Two years ago, Eichi-sama started out as a normal student. He was a “nobody”—)

(And in less than a year, he lined up every tough foe and shot them down, unifying Yumenosaki Academy. He became the victor of the conflict, the “Emperor” who rules over everything.)

(Up until now, I’ve been listening to that story of Eichi-sama’s like it’s a fairy tale.)

(It didn’t feel at all like something that actually happened in the real world.)

(But. I can’t just smile and listen to that story anymore.)

(Right now, according to the rules of the game, I’ve become Eichi-sama’s enemy down to my core.)

(I felt it myself for the first time. That Eichi-sama is, truly, a scary person.)

(Because I was one of that Eichi-sama’s companions, because he showed me his favor, I just never realized how scary he is.)

Hiyori: Tori-kun, Tori-kun. ...You okay, there?

Tori: Hwah? S-sorry, Hiyori-sama! I was spacing out!

Hiyori: Shh... Be quiet.

Tori: Ah, th- that’s right. If I’m too noisy, the enemy might notice us.

Hiyori: Yep. It’s already late at night, so we’re all sleepy and exhausted, so there’s nothing that can be done about losing concentration.

Hang in there, hold out a little longer. If Eichi-kun keeps beating us, it’s going to be really irritating.

I want to somehow pull off a surprise attack and blow him away. I hate fighting, but I hate losing even more than that.

Tori: Me too. But how are we going to blow him away...?

Hiyori: Hmmm. It seems like Eichi-kun took command of the “fishermen,” so Eichi-kun is probably the enemy leader - the “king.”

In other words, if we can somehow touch the “king,” Eichi-kun, it’ll be victory for the “fish.”

Tori: Oh, yeah. There was that kind of rule, huh.

Hiyori: But, of course, the enemy’s going to be on the lookout for that, so it’s not going to be easy... It would be much simpler if I could just snipe them with a gun, but I ended up exhausting all of our ammunition while we were running around.

With nothing but these bodies of ours, we have to outwit Eichi-kun without being obliterated.

Ahh, but I don’t really want to think about brutal stuff like that... My thoughts are all muddled.

Tori-kun, or even Anzu-chan, do you have any sort of idea?

I have particularly high hopes for you, Tori-kun. In the end, you’re Eichi-kun’s favorite child, right?

You’ve always seen that thing from up close, since he’s painstakingly taught you this and that, so you should be closer to Eichi-kun than I am.

You know, that spiteful-at-heart, has-no-human-decency, only-pretty-on-the-outside, absolutely terrible human being.

Tori: You didn’t have to say all that.

Hiyori: Oh, that much is still speaking in moderation. I don’t want you guys to see or hear anything too indecent, you see.

Tori: Hmph. Even for Hiyori-sama, that’s–

Hiyori: ? Is it strange to not want to dirty something that’s pure?

Tori: It’s not strange. I feel the same way towards you all, after all.

I want you to understand that much, at least.

Eichi: —Isn’t it about time to give up?

Hiyori: ...!? Eichi-kun, you arrived before us this time, too?

Tori: Hiyori-sama! It’s okay! It doesn’t seem like Eichi-sama was calling out to us!

Tsukasa: ...! ...!?

Eichi: .......

Tori: Look! I don’t really know what’s going on, but it looks like Tsukasa’s lashing out at Eichi-sama...?

[tomoyajpeg]

White Brim | BATTLEROYAL/8

Hiyori: Really, though, I’m exhausted. I want to take a quick break somewhere that I can calm down.

But until “clamming” ends, there’s nowhere that we “fish” can rest, is there?

Tori: I’ll massage your shoulders for you, Hiyori-sama! As thanks for saving me!

Hiyori: I’m not an old man, you know?

But, well, it doesn’t feel half-bad to be shown thanks.

Tori: Right~? Hey, Anzu, you got saved too, so you have to thank him! You know, in fairy tales and stuff, the prince who rescues people always gets a kiss—

...No, no kissing. Not even for Hiyori-sama.

Hiyori: Fufu. Gratitude isn’t something you should force, now is it?

Tori: T-that’s true... Wait, I know it’s a little late to ask now, but why do you have a gun, Hiyori-sama? We’re “fish,” so is it okay for us to be armed?

Hiyori: Well, it’s not like it was ever explicitly forbidden, right? I’ve been running around here and there this whole time—

And after a little while, I saw someone who works for us, so I called out to them. After a little negotiation, they handed over their weapons.

That whole “your status doesn’t matter during ‘clamming’” thing is just a pretense, anyway. We’re all very much humans, so it’s not like we can actually throw our titles away that easily.

Determining that if they disobeyed me now, they’d really be in for it later, our servant happily handed over their weapons. Running into one of my people was really a stroke of good luck.

Tori: That... that’s true, huh. Life goes on even after the game is over.

If you mess up and make your master upset, after that you could have to deal with a lot of difficult stuff, like a pay cut or something.

Hiyori: Yep. Maybe if we were younger, we could forget about the obligations of the world of the living and devote ourselves to playing around.

Hiyori:Growing up is such a lonely thing, isn’t it?

Tori: ...Hmph. If our Yuzuru was taking part in “clamming,” he’d definitely be on my side, no matter what.

I wonder where he is and what he’s up to. I want to go find him and drag him over to our side~ He’s been through some sort of weird training, so if you have him as your ally, you’ve got the strength of 100 people.

Hiyori: Ahh, Yuzuru-kun’s not supposed to participate in “clamming.”

This is just what I’ve heard from my older brother, who’s taken part in “clamming” before, but apparently that kid was banned from “clamming” a few years ago because he went on some sort of rampage.

Tori: “Banned,” huh... what did that servant of ours do, exactly?

Hiyori: I heard that he totally ignored the obligations of the world of the living and pulverized everything that crossed his path. He was doing one hell of a job following the rules of “clamming” to the letter.

Recently, you Himemiyas have been acknowledged as deserving of respect - or, rather, people have stopped looking down on you for being “nothing but nouveau riche.”

There’s a rumor going around that it’s all because of Yuzuru-kun’s active participation in “clamming.”

“The Himemiya house isn’t just all-talk-and-no-action new money. They’re terrifying if you make an enemy of them,” they say.

Tori: H~m... Maybe that’s why Yuzuru went to some facility somewhere for physical training (?) a long time ago.

Is “clamming” more of a major event in the business world than I thought it was?

Hiyori: Yeeaah, it really shouldn’t be. It’s just a game.

But. As you’re well aware of, displays of manners and dancing skills during social gatherings are essential evaluation criteria for us aristocrats.

If you can show off your merit at a social event like tonight, where everyone’s gathered, it’ll affect your connections and the value of your household in the future.

Forgetting about the real world and playing around idly is just lip service. Even in the midst of our foolish games, we can’t forget about our ties to the world of the living.

That stuff is a real pain, though. In place of my older brother, who has to properly manage our business, it’s the duty of the prodigal second son - me - to make an impression and show his worth.

Tori: ..........

Hiyori: Well, we ended up talking about something pointless, huh? If we dawdle around here for too long, Tsukasa-kun might return with reinforcements, so let’s get moving.

I’ve found some places that are great for running and hiding, so I’ll guide you there first.

If we can hold out until the time limit runs out, it’s our win. To be precise, it won’t be a win but a draw, but that’s a hundred times better than losing.

Tori: Y-yeah. Sorry for causing so much trouble, Hiyori-sama.

Hiyori: It wasn’t any trouble at all! We’re in the same boat right now, so we have to support each other. ♪

Tori: (Hiyori-sama’s amazing, just like I thought.)

(Honestly, when I was younger, I used to look down on Hiyori-sama a little bit.)

(I believed all the gossip of the adults around me, and thought “the Tomoe family’s second son is a bad boy who just fools around all day - he’s useless.”)

(For the Tenshouin conglomerate, who the Himemiya clan has always cozied up to, the Tomoe conglomerate is something like a business rival. The enemy of your friend is your enemy too, and all.)[1]

(But. Deciding that someone is worse than you, or inferior to you, just because you’re enemies... that’s just prejudice.)

Hiyori: ? What’s wrong, Tori-kun? Are you tired out from doing stuff you’re not used to? Aaaalright, “Hiyori-onii-sama” will pick you up and carry you! ♪

Tori: Th-that’s okay! There's no need to trouble yourself on my account...!

Hiyori: Ahaha, do you hate being treated like a child?

Tori: N-not really. Weirdly enough, if it’s Hiyori-sama I don’t mind that much. If anything, it feels like I have a real big brother, so I’m happy.

Tori: (...Then, why do I hate being treated like a child by Eichi-sama?)

Literally “the enemy of the parent is the enemy of the child.”

[tomoyajpeg]

White Brim | BATTLEROYAL/7

Tori: ...!?

Tsukasa: Oh, you dodged? Your reflexes aren’t half-bad, I’ll give you that. How impertinent of you, Tori-kun.

Tori: O-o-o-obviously I’d try and dodge that, you know~!? If I get slashed with that sword, it’ll kill me!

Tsukasa: Speaking in terms of this Game, you’re thoroughly correct.

This is something else that Tenshouin-onii-sama already explained, but the weapons that were given to us “fishermen” are little more than toys that are unable to kill or wound.

This sword is far lighter than a real one. For someone like myself, who is accustomed to handling swords, it’s conversely rather difficult to use. And in an area such as this, thick with clusters of trees, it’s difficult to handle long objects.

Though, that being said, this sword is of a similar weight to those that we of Knights use as props while on stage, and the Suou family has the blood of warriors— so I’m quite skilled at handling a blade such as this.

As you’re off-balance due to dodging my previous attack, I will not miss again.

—My sworn enemy, Himemiya Tori, shall be slain.

Tori: ...!

Tsukasa: (Hm! Immediately moving to defend Onee-sama! Just as I thought, you’re not rotten to the core, are you? You’re worthy of being my lifelong rival, Tori-kun. ♪)

(However! This shall be my victory! With this blow, I’ll bring an end to the longstanding feud between us...!)

Hiyori: Everyone, get down! Don’t raise your heads!

Tsukasa: ...!?

Hiyori: Take that! Apologies for cutting in, or whatever it is you say! Ahaha, it’s like I’m in a period drama. ♪

Tsukasa: ...!? ...!?

—Tomoe...onii-sama!? Why!? You’re meant to be a “fish!”

Why are you firing a gun...!? The “fish” aren’t meant to have weapons, are they?

Hiyori: Ahaha! You’re an exceptionally good, earnest boy, but that’s exactly why you’re so tied down by rules!

Tsukasa: ...! Are you saying that is why, conversely, those who are not restricted by rules are able to outmaneuver me? Those who are outlaws, such as Crazy:B?

And that is why we were defeated by them during “SS”...!?

Hiyori: Of course you, who can face the heavens with your chest puffed up with pride, are deserving of praise as well! I’m not talking about winning or losing, I’m talking about what’s right and what’s wrong!

But right now, we’re right in the middle of a fun game of slaughter! And during a game, it’s not about right and wrong, it’s about winning or losing...!

Tsukasa: (Ugh...! He’s speaking smoothly, but Tomoe-onii-sama is shooting at me fairly accurately!)

(What happens if a “fisherman” is shot?)

(Were that to happen, would I be disqualified and forced to drop out of “clamming?” Me? Eliminated before Tori-kun...?)

(I was under the impression that this kind of development was impossible, so I never properly confirmed the Rules surrounding it!)

(I've made another blunder! No, this must be something my current self is lacking, isn’t it?)

I’ll make a lesson of this! Tomoe-onii-sama! In deference to you, I shall excuse myself for now!

Hiyori: Yep! A quick and appropriate decision. Rather than a foot soldier, you’re more suited to be a commander, huh? ♪

Tsukasa: That is the way I was raised! Well then, my good fellows, please excuse me!

Hiyori: ...Ahah, he’s courteous even in retreat. ♪

Tori: Hi-Hi-Hiyori-samaaaaaa! ☆

Tori: ThankyouIloveyou...! You came here to save me, right?

Hiyori: Fufu. I’m not really in that sort of position, though.

It's just that Eichi-kun won’t help you.

Tori: D-don’t badmouth Eichi-sama! Even if you’re Hiyori-sama, I won’t forgive you, okay...?

Hiyori: Fufu. If you truly affirm Eichi-kun from the bottom of your heart, then you should be perfectly fine no matter what anyone says about him.

If you become anxious and show resistance to what others say, that means that somewhere in your heart you feel the same way about Eichi-kun, don’t you? You’re shaken up because they’ve hit the nail right on the head!

Tori: ...!

Hiyori: Ju~st kidding - that was kind of mean. I’m not acting like myself. What foul weather.

It’s not like you really resemble Eichi-kun, but for some reason I can’t stop myself from messing with you in the same way. Sorry.

Tori: Ehehe... Maybe that’s why Eichi-sama’s weirdly cold to Tsukasa. Maybe, somewhere inside Tsukasa, he sees something that reminds him of his old friend, Hiyori-sama.

Hiyori: What? Are you trying to say that Eichi-kun and I are anything alike? I’ve said it countless times before, but that kind of thing is the ultimate insult to me!

[tomoyajpeg]

White Brim | BATTLEROYAL/6

Tsukasa: ...Hm. Though I triumphantly declared war on you...

This is slightly troubling. If it were only Tori-kun, I would happily tear him limb from limb, but since Onee-sama is here as well—

Tori: L-let’s run, Anzu! Tsukasa’s supposed to be a “fisherman,” so in other words, he’s our enemy!

Over here! Be careful not to fall, okay?

Tsukasa: Ah! Get back here, you coward...!

Tori: Ptthbt! Yuzuru said that cowards are the ones who make it out of battlefields alive! Being able to survive easily makes you admirable, right? Am I wrong?

Tsukasa: Fushimi-senpai said something like that...? Whatever for? I don’t believe that’s something a servant should be saying?

Tori: Hm? Come to think of it, why isn’t Yuzuru taking part in “clamming?” Didn’t I hear that all the servants were going to participate?

And isn’t that guy a servant of mine? Why isn’t he here?! That disloyal little—!

Tsukasa: Now, why on earth would I know what’s going on with your servant?

Additionally, though I don’t know why I’m giving you advice when you’re my enemy: You do know that even if Fushimi-senpai were participating in “clamming,” there’s no guarantee that he would be on your side, correct?

Rather, I'd say that the assumption that Fushimi-senpai would be your ally is a dangerous one to make in this situation.

If you were to approach him thinking that he would protect you, it’s entirely possible that it would all be over in a single deep stab. [1]

Tori: I-I know that much, okay!? Don’t go preaching from your high horse to someone who’s the same age as you!

Tsukasa: ...It seems that you didn’t listen to Tenshouin-onii-sama’s explanation properly, so I was just giving you some advice out of the kindness of my heart.

Well, it’s fine. In reality, so long as we’re divided into enemy and ally like this, doing nothing but clashing against each other, exchanging words is unnecessary.

In accordance with the Rules of “clamming,” though it’s not as if you’re an enemy general, I shall solemnly hunt you down.

As I am unable to be declared victorious until I have hunted down all of you “fish”, this is quite the troublesome task I’ve been presented with.

Tori: Like I said! I get it already, so you don’t have to explain it over and over—

Tsukasa: Bang.

Tori: Kyaaaaa!? He shot at me! That jerk shot at me with a gun! I can’t believe him!

Tsukasa: What are you so surprised about? You were surely already aware that we “fishermen” were provided with weapons, were you not?

Be that as it may, I lack experience in handling firearms. Additionally, it's quite dark, and when visibility is this low I’m unable to aim properly.

Tori: T-this is our chance! He sucks at this!

Tsukasa: Bang, Bang, Bang.

Tori: Snrk, he’s just shooting all over the place ♪ In the end, Tsukasa’s still Tsukasa!

Anzu! Before he accidentally ends up hitting one of us, let’s run! Over here!

Huh? Where do I plan on running to? W-wherever is fine - we just have to get away from that overflowing-with-bloodlust Tsukasa or he'll kill us!

Huh? Tsukasa wouldn’t do something like that? Well, that’s normally true, but that’s just ‘cause he likes to pointlessly act like a gentleman!

But right now, we’re in the middle of “clamming!” And for as long as I’ve known him, even if we’re just playing around, he never stops until he wins - or, rather, you could say he gets way too fired up...!

Tsukasa: —Would you kindly refrain from speaking ill of me in front of Onee-sama?

Tori: (Huh? What? Why is Tsukasa’s voice coming from directly above us...?)

Tsukasa: ..........♪

Tori: (That jerk! He was shooting his gun randomly to draw our eyes away from him, and to make us let our guard down—)

(And then, while that was happening, he stealthily climbed a tree and approached us by jumping between branches!? Like some sort of nimble monkey!?)

Tsukasa: Now, then—

Tsukasa: This is Checkmate.

Tsukasa apparently makes up a word for an untranslatable pun, here: 一刺し is pronounced the same way as 一差し, meaning “one dance” or “one game” (like, of shogi), but is written with the character for “stab.”

[tomoyajpeg]

White Brim | BATTLEROYAL/5

Time: Ten minutes after the start of “clamming”...

Tori: Hah, hah—

(Fufun ♪ I’m already a second-year in high school, you know? I’m not a little baby, you know?)

(That’s why I figured there was no way I’d get all fired up just from playing tag, but...)

(This is pretty scary, actually...!)

(Since we’re pretty far away from any cities, it’s totally pitch black at this time of night. I can’t see where I’m walking, so I feel like I’m about to trip and fall! Just in case, I was provided with a powerful flashlight, but...)

(If I turn it on, I’m scared I’ll be spotted by the taggers— er, the “fishermen”~! But if I don’t turn it on, I can’t see anything at all, and I can’t take even a single step forward!)

(What should I do~? I want to ask someone else on the “fish” side for advice, but these grounds are way too big, so I totally won’t be able to randomly run into them!)

(Since it would be a disaster if one of us got into some sort of accident out here, we were all given GPS trackers and receivers (radars), just in case.)

(But they don’t display anything but really vague “I’m more-or-less somewhere around here” type stuff.)

(I can’t tell if someone approaching is a “fisherman” or a “fish,” so I can’t carelessly get close!)

(If I just go up to someone thinking they’re on my side, they might turn out to be an enemy and shoot me with their gun!)

(Uu~uu~? Since Eichi-sama and the others were really enthusiastic about this, I wanted to try and do my best, too. I don’t want them to think I’m a little kid who can’t read the room, after all—)

(But thinking like that was a total mistake~!)

(If I’d known it was going to end up like this, I would have just stood still at the beginning and let myself get caught!)

(But that Tsukasa looked like he was itching to hunt me down, so if I had stood still, he definitely would have killed me.)

(And if there’s one person I don’t want to get made fun of for losing to, it’s that guy...!)

—Hieeh!?

(Huh? Huh? Just now, did I hear some sort of “rustle, rustle~” noise from that bush over there?)

(Was it my imagination? Or was it just the wind shaking the bushes? Or maybe some sort of wild animal, like a rabbit...?)

I-is there someone there~...?

(Wait, at times like this I should check the radar!)

(Umm, umm, if I press this button—)

Tori: Hyaaan!?

W-who is it...? When did you get behind me...?

(N-no! I’m gonna be k-k-k-killed!)

—Wait, huh? Are you... Anzu?

You’re taking part in “clamming,” too? That’s true, since you were at the party, and all...?

Because “clamming” isn’t just restricted to nobles, or anything? Rather, it’s the kind of game that gets rid of social status, so everyone can enjoy it together?

Ehehe ♪ But I’m really glad it turned out to be you, Anzu!

Jeez, don’t scare me like that, okay? If you’re there, you have to properly say “It’s Anzu!”, okay~? For a second there, I thought you were on the “fisherman” side—

(...Wait, isn’t it obviously possible that Anzu could be a “fisherman”? Right, since during “clamming” your usual status doesn’t matter at all!)

(If Anzu’s a “fisherman”, then she could kill me!)

Um, Anzu? Show me your hands, ‘kay? Cause, if you have a sword or a gun, that means you’re a “fisherman” who’s going to try and kill me—

Ah! You’re not carrying anything, after all! That means you’re a “fish”, same as me, right?

Uu~! Thank goodness~ I was getting kind of scared, there. ♪

Huh? You were scared, too, Anzu? You tripped while you were running and dropped your flashlight somewhere?

Ah, now that you say it, it is kind of weird that you aren’t carrying anything at all? Since we “fish” were given flashlights, right?

Aww, you’re kind of clumsy, huh? Ehehe, even though you’re supposed to be a super-capable producer, that absentminded part of you hasn’t changed at all... ♪

Tori: Okay, then! I guess I have no other choice than to let you come along with me. I’ll light up our surroundings with my flashlight, so show some gratitude, okay?

Hey, hey ♪ Since it's really dark and we might trip, do you wanna hold hands while we walk? I-it’s totally not like I’m scared or anything, but it’s for your sake so it can’t be helped, okay?

Ehehe... It kind of feels like it’s been a while~ Holding hands with Anzu and walking like we’re siblings, I mean.

I’m happy. Anzu, it feels like ever since ES was completed, you’ve cut down on the physical contact. Why is that?

Even though before, you used to put me on your lap and I’d go “ah~n ♪” and you’d feed me bentos and stuff?

Nn? Since we’re idol and producer, you have to draw a line somewhere?

I don’t get it! No matter how our positions end up, us being friends won’t change, right?

Look, during “clamming” our statuses don’t matter, and right now we’re getting along as well as we always do!

As long as I’m Himemiya Tori, and Anzu is Anzu, we’ll always, always be friends, right?

Did I say something weird?

Wa-wah? Don’t pat my head like that, show some respect!

...“Since our statuses don’t matter right now, it’s not disrespectful?” Uu~ Now it’s gotten all complicated!

Tsukasa: —I thought I heard a shrill, grating voice.

As expected, it was you, Tori-kun.

What exactly do you think you’re doing in a place like this, alone with Anzu-onee-sama...?

Tori: Geh, Tsukasa!? We got found by the number one person I didn’t want to be found by!

[tomoyajpeg]

White Brim | BATTLEROYAL/4

Time: That night

Location: At the “clamming” grounds, located on the Tenshouin family’s private property

Eichi: Now, then! Let the annual game for naughty little aristocrats with far too much free time on their hands, AKA “clamming,” begin...! ☆

Tori: Yaaay~...

Tsukasa: Clap, clap clap...

Hiyori: Aw, come on! You young kids should follow Eichi-kun’s example! Act like idiots and make some noise!

“Clamming” is an event where you blow off all that gloomy steam that’s been building up all year, after all!

Restricting yourself to acting like a well-behaved goody little two-shoes is the wrong answer, this time! Ahahaha! ☆

Tsukasa: I don’t think I’m able to keep up with your level of Excitement, onii-samas.

Tori: Same here. But, you know, there’s no way Eichi-sama and the rest are doing something wrong. Even if it looks like they’re just acting like idiots right in front of everyone, there’s definitely a deeper meaning to it—

Tsukasa: Yes. I believe that as well. Though, I’ve already thrown a bit of an unreasonable tantrum because I absolutely refuse to crossdress, so I’d say that I’m somewhat hesitant to voice any additional complaints.

Eichi: Well, it doesn’t really matter what clothes you wear. The important part is that, during “clamming,” we’re stripped of any and all “status.”

Everyone dressing like servants doesn’t have an actual purpose outside of making the premise visually understandable.

Wearing clothes you aren’t used to makes it hard to move around, and in this case it might actually be dangerous.

Tori: Wh-what do you mean? Are we going to be doing something risky? What even is “clamming”...?

Eichi: Fufu. As this is the first time the children will be participating, allow me to formally explain the rules of “clamming.”

To put it simply, “clamming” is a somewhat unique survival game.

It’s a game of make-believe. A hunting game, so to speak? No, it might be easier to understand if I present it as a game of tag.

Tori: ..........?

Hiyori: Just like always, Eichi-kun’s “easy to understand” isn’t easy at all!

Eichi: Shut up, you...

Anyway, “clamming” starts off by using a objectively fair lottery to divide the participants into the “hunters” and the “hunted.”

Depending on which side you’re sorted into, the actions you’ll take change.

Incidentally, there’s a difference in the number of “hunters” versus “hunted” - generally, it's a 1:9 ratio. The “hunters,” in the minority, will be chasing after the “hunted,” in the majority.

Inside the fortune cookies that got handed out at the party venue earlier, there were little slips of washi paper with words written on them, right?

If the slip of paper was red, with “fisherman” written on it, then you were assigned to the “hunters” side. If it was blue, with “fish” written on it, then you’re on the “hunted” side.

Tsukasa: Let’s see... ah, I have a red paper with “fisherman” written on it, so I’ll be on the side of the “hunters.”

Eichi: Wow, congratulations! Like I said earlier, the probability of being assigned to the “hunters” side is about 10%, so you’ve got pretty good luck— Tsukasa-kun. ♪

Tori: Snrk. Tsukasa, doesn’t this mean you’ve already used up all the luck you’re getting this year?

By the way, my paper’s blue and says “fish,” so I’m on the “hunted” side, right?

Hiyori: I’m also on the “hunted” side! We’re the same, Tori-kun! ♪

Tori: Ah, yes! I still don’t really get it, but I’m super happy to match with Hiyori-sama~

Eichi: ...When did the two of you get so close?

Well, let’s leave it at that. The “hunted (fish)” can run around this area freely for a certain amount of time.

Basically, the only thing the “fish” can do is run around.

Tori: Wow, it really is like a game of tag... Um, so if I get tagged– er, caught by the fisherman, does that mean I lose?

Eichi: No. You lose if the “hunter (fisherman)” kills you.

Tori: K-kills...?

Hiyori: Wait, what? I don’t know the details either, but is “clamming” like one of those death game things that are popular in movies and stuff?

Eichi: Of course, you won’t actually be killed. It’s just that the “fisherman” is provided with two weapons at the same time the chase begins.

A gun, and a sword.

The gun is handy for long-distance attacks, but it only holds ten bullets. Reloading is also prohibited.

It’s something like a water pistol that fires paint, so it’s not like it’ll hurt if you get hit.

And the swords are like the ones used for mock swordfights. [1] They’re made out of a sponge-like material, so they’re safe.

But, if you’re shot with the gun or hit with the sword, you’re “dead.”

It’s self-moderated, but anyone who’s killed has to obediently resign from the game and return to the mansion.

Unlike a game like Cops and Robbers, there’s no comeback for the losers. That should be obvious - they’re dead, after all.

In the end, when the “fish” have been hunted to extinction, it’s a victory for the “fishermen”.

If even one person on the “fish” side survives, then it’s a draw.

Hiyori: With rules like that, there must have been a lot of draws so far, huh.

If you decide on winners and losers, somebody’s going to end up holding a grudge, so it’s not really fitting for something that’s supposed to be light entertainment like this.

By the way, is there no way for the “fish” to win? It kind of feels like, even if one person’s still alive, they can only hope to force a draw.

Eichi: No, there is. The “fishermen” have to designate one among them as their general— their “king.”

Tsukasa: Their “king?”

Eichi: Yep. Even though the “fish” die easily and have no choice but to run away— they’re able to kill the “king,” and only the “king.”

If a “fish” touches the “king’s” body, the “king” dies.

If the “king” dies, it’s victory for the “fish.”

Tsukasa: I see... So it’s necessary for us, the “fishermen,” to be sure to escort the “king” so that the “fish” cannot get near them?

Eichi: That’s true, but there aren’t that many “fishermen,” so you have to consider how many you can spare to use exclusively for defense.

Keep too many from hunting, and you won’t be able to get all the “fish.” Since you only win when all the “fish” are eliminated, you might not be able to meet the victory condition.

Tsukasa: Hm... As you’ll need to keep in mind how to distribute your limited number of personnel, as well as what moves to make, it’s almost like a strategy used for Chess would be necessary. This is a surprisingly deep game. ♪

Tori: Nn~ In short, isn’t it just a really complicated game of tag?

Eichi: You’re not wrong. For wealthy and high-ranking people like us, this kind of simple game can be novel and interesting entertainment.

Tori: Yeah, I feel like I can kinda get that... Manga and other stuff that commoners use to entertain themselves are all pretty interesting.

But, hm~mm... tag, huh... We high-class nobles got together in the middle of the night just to play tag?

Originally スポーツチャンバラ, or “sports chanbara.” Chanbara basically means “sword fighting,” and is the word used for movies that are usually called something like “samurai cinema” in English - movies with a lot of sword fights, essentially. Sports chanbara is... swordfighting for sport, using airsoft weapons. It has tournaments and everything.

[tomoyajpeg]

White Brim | BATTLEROYAL/3

Tori: It’s like... I get what you’re talking about, but I also don’t get it at all. Um, does that mean you’re going to do that “clamming” thing this year, too?

Eichi: Yep. And this year, I thought that I’d like to allow you all to participate as well. Tori and Tsukasa-kun, and Anzu-chan as well.

Tsukasa: Eh? That... might be an honor, but is it really all right?

Eichi: Of course. You’ve become head of the Suou family, haven’t you? Nobody would tell you something like “you're a child, so you shouldn't” nowadays.

Tsukasa: ..........♪

Eichi: But, naturally, it’s up to you whether you decide to participate in the “clamming.”

If you don’t think you can go along with something this silly, you can always excuse yourself. It’s just for fun, after all.

Tsukasa: N-not at all! This humble Tsukasa would gladly partake in something like that!

Tori: If Tsukasa’s going to do it, then I definitely am! I might not be the head of the Himemiyas yet, but it’s no fair if someone like Tsukasa is the only one who gets to play!

Eichi: Yeah, that’s what I thought you would say. Thank goodness, I’m so glad that the costumes we took great pains to prepare for “clamming” won’t go to waste.

Tsukasa: Costumes...? Um, will we be performing a Live?

Eichi: Nope. I’ll explain in detail later— but it’s not just us that participate in “clamming,” but the servants as well.

Tsukasa: The servants as well? Isn’t that a little unusual?

Eichi: Yes, that’s true. Ourselves and those that work for us naturally aren’t on equal footing. If it were still the olden days, we would never be allowed to even eat at the same table.

However. During “clamming,” those “differing social standings” all disappear. Each and every one of us loses our titles, and on equal terms, we’re able to play at being people with the same positions.

To make that premise clear, during “clamming” it’s customary to wear clothing that servants would wear.

Tsukasa: I see. For households like ours, with long and prestigious lineages, the way one dresses is almost equivalent to one’s social standing. So, to eliminate the differences between classes, everybody wears the same clothing...

Eichi: That’s exactly right. Tsukasa-kun is earnest and clever, which makes it easy to explain things. It’s a real help.

Tsukasa: (Fufun ♪ I’m not sure why, but onii-sama is being very kind today! He’s giving me quite a lot of praise!)

Tori: (..........)

Eichi: Fufu. “Clamming” begins after the sun has completely set, but let’s go ahead and change our clothes.

Tori and the rest will be participating for the first time, so we should probably start preparing now.

Hiyori: Yes, yes! Anzu-chan, can you hand out the outfits you prepared?

Fufu~n ♪ Actually, these outfits were requested from Anzu-chan a little while ago, as sewing seems to be her speciality.

Eichi: Yep. I feel bad for making a guest do work for us, but it looks like Anzu-chan likes making costumes, so I expect that it was actually pretty good stress relief.

Tori: Oh, Anzu made these? Anzu’s got good taste, so I’m excited now. ♪

Tsukasa: ...Tenshouin-onii-sama.

Eichi: Yes?

Tsukasa: Um, I do understand that everybody will be wearing the same outfits to eliminate the difference between their statuses. But, even so, I think this outfit is a little...

Eichi: Oh? You don’t want to wear the clothing of a lowly servant?

I suppose you’re free to think that way, but in this day and age, you might not want to say that kind of thing out loud.

Tsukasa: T-that is not what I mean! It’s just that, no matter how you look at it, this seems to be an outfit meant for women to wear!?

Eichi: Hm? Oh, that’s true. This is a so-called “maid outfit.”

Sorry, sorry. As the one who placed this order, this must be my mistake. I see... so when the common people hear “servant’s costume,” the first thing that comes to mind is a maid outfit. I’ve learned something new today.

...But, Anzu-chan. I’m sure I told you these were for us to wear? Why did you give us women’s clothing?

Tsukasa: Well, to be accurate, these measurements are decidedly matched to our proportions, so they’re not exactly “women’s” clothing.

In other words, this wasn’t an accidental Mistake made by Onee-sama, but rather her own desire to have us wear Maid outfits...!?

Why? I don’t understand!

Hiyori: Well, it’s fine, isn’t it? We’d look good in any outfit, after all!

Tori: Yeah, yeah! I think this kind of cute outfit suits me perfectly!

Tsukasa: Why are you all going along with this so easily!? I-I’m not wearing this! As a warrior, and also as a man, there are some lines that I do not wish to cross!

Tori: Yeah, but didn’t Eichi-sama just say that those values are prehistoric? Don’t complain, just wear it~ It might actually suit you, even if it’ll definitely suit me better. ♪

Tsukasa: I don’t want it to suit me! I’m not going to wear this!

Ahh, Onee-sama, don’t make that face! It’s not a matter of disliking the outfits you make for me! This is just a matter of pride, as a man from a family of warriors...!

Eichi: (Fufu. I was right to bring Anzu-chan along. I can feel the mood, which was so heavy I’d call it gloomy, gradually lightening.)

(It’s not like Anzu-chan calculated any of this - maybe it’s all just her nature, or simply a happy coincidence... But she’s saved us, many times over.)

Eichi: (If this “fun party” could help relieve some of the burden from your shoulders, I’d be happy.)

[tomoyajpeg]

White Brim | BATTLEROYAL/2

Tori: ...ah, sorry! Even though I keep getting scolded about it by Hiyori-sama, the mood got all gloomy again~?

Even though I’ve been looking forward to this party... it should be more fun, more cheerful—

Hiyori: Yes, yes ♪ But, you don’t have to force yourself to act all cheerful, okay?

If you scrape away parts of your heart to use as fuel, you can force yourself to keep shining. But if you keep doing that sort of thing over and over, one day you’re going to lose yourself.

Eichi: Fufu. Speaking from experience, I see. Since you’ve been doing exactly that for so long, that’s why you’ve become such an empty person now, huh?

Hiyori: Better to be empty than to be like you, made up of nothing but filth and refuse, right?

Tori: .........

Hiyori: Aha! How cuu~uute! Tori-kun, you always pout when I badmouth Eichi-kun, you know?

Tori: Ah, um, I’m sorry!

Hiyori: Aw, you don’t have to apologize! It’s good that everyone has something important that they don’t want to see tarnished.

There, there! Good boy, good boy~ ♪ Eichi-kun, who doesn’t concern himself with whether he hurts such an angelic kid like you or not, is really an awful person, isn’t he?

Eichi: Are you having fun, getting to speak ill of me while using Tori-kun as an excuse?

Well, it’s fine. I’ve said it many times, now, but this is a party, so for tonight’s free and easy gathering—

Let’s take this chance to upheave all of our accumulated frustrations.

Hiyori: That was the original point of this party in the first place, after all.

Tsukasa: Yes. Anzu-onee-sama may not be aware of this, but this Party is actually an annual event.

Up until now, it was generally held at a slightly earlier date - it took place around the end of the year.

Eichi: Yep. It’s a gathering that ended up becoming a place for all the local big-wigs to meet up and congratulate each other on all their hard work.

Hiyori: It’s one of those year-end blowouts, so to speak! [1]

Eichi: Fufu. As always, you’re quite familiar with the culture of the masses, oh prodigal son of the Tomoe house.

Hiyori: Do you have to get on each and every one of someone’s nerves when you talk to them?

Tori: Uh, anyway. This year, the people who throw the party, the Tenshouin conglomerate - or, rather, Eichi-sama - got really busy while “SS” was going on, so—

Hiyori: Not just Eichi-kun, you know. You and I - and, come to think of it, even Tsukasa-kun and the like - were busy to the max.

During the “SS” qualifiers, the units without seed rights couldn’t even make the trip back to their hometowns.

Because of this and that and the other thing, it ended up like this: we couldn’t hold the party at the end of the year, so we’re having it now.

Eichi: Yep. Though it’s a bit of a questionable time to hold it, since it’s not the end of the calendar year or the end of the school year, the whole point of this event is to relax. That’s why I’d like you to enjoy yourself as much as possible.

I want you to take all the melancholy that’s accumulated over the last year like sediment in a pond, wipe it away, and head towards the future on your own two feet.

For that purpose, we’ll enact our annual “Funtime Diversion Plan.” It’s a secret game that takes place at midnight, every year—

Tori: Ahh... Every year, all the adults are always up to something on the night of the party. It’s that, right?

I was always really curious about what was going on. Everyone always said “since you’re a child, it’s too early for you to attend,” and I was never allowed to go, so I don’t know much about it.

Tsukasa: Indeed. There was a time when I was much younger where I was unable to endure my own curiosity, so I tried to catch a glimpse alongside Tori-kun.

Tori: Oh, yeah~ That did happen, huh. You got spotted and snatched up right away, though.

Tsukasa: Oh, like you weren’t right there with me? I tried to stop you, but you were the one who forcibly dragged me along, saying “let’s go see!”, were you not?

Tori: Huh~? That’s not what happened! If I left you alone, you would have tried to go see all on your lonesome, so since I’m SO nice I went along with you ‘cause I was worried!

Tsukasa: You have awfully convenient ways of remembering things, don’t you.

Tori: Look who’s talking!

Eichi: Fufu. Hiyori-kun and I share a similar memory.

Hiyori: Unfortunately.

Eichi: History repeats itself, I see... Well, that said, I’m sorry if that raised your expectations, but that “adults-only game” isn’t really that big of a deal.

It’s just a little bit of recreation. Something along the lines of children playing tag or hide-and-seek.

By the way, the name of the game is “clamming.”

Tori: “Clamming”...? Even though it’s this cold, everyone’s going to go out to the beach at midnight and start digging up shellfish together? Why?

Hiyori: Strangely enough, shellfish aren’t actually involved. Nobody really knows why it’s called “clamming.”

Apparently, they’ve been calling it that for a long time.

As the years passed, it degraded into more of a formality than anything. For us in the modern day, it’s turned into something that we can’t really understand.

Eichi: Yes. “Clamming” is a secret game because it was a secret ritual. Over the years, as new people have taken over, the origin of the game has been gradually forgotten.

Even though its true nature has been lost and forgotten, there’s never been a particular reason to stop doing it, so it’s continued out of force of habit.

“Because that’s how it’s always been,” you know? All traditions are like that.

Even if we’re not followers of any particular religion, we hold funerals when people die, and burn incense just like the other attendees. “Because that’s how it’s always been,” right?

From Wikipedia: A bōnenkai (忘年会, literally "forget the year gathering") is a Japanese drinking party that takes place at the end of the year, and is generally held among groups of co-workers or friends. The purpose of the party, as its name implies, is to forget the woes and troubles of the past year, and hopefully look to the new year, usually by consumption of large amounts of alcohol. A bōnenkai does not take place on any specific day, but they are usually held in December.

[tomoyajpeg]

White Brim | BATTLEROYAL/1

Time: Late February

Location: Somewhere in Japan, in a vacation home belonging to the Tenshouin household

Tori: Anzu~! Why are you cramming yourself into the corner like that?

If you don’t know the etiquette for a gathering like this, do you want me to teach you aaaaaaall about it? Ehehe, it’ll be in return for all the times you’ve helped me out! ♪

Tsukasa: Anzu-onee-sama! Your face is awfully pale, is it not? Could it be that you haven’t eaten anything today, so you are feeling hunger pains?

In that case, please allow this humble Tsukasa to bring you a great array of confections! Just for Onee-sama, I shall act the part of a waiter - normally I would never conduct myself in such a manner. ♪

Tori: Hmm...?

Tsukasa: Guh...?

Tori: —Huuuuh? I almost didn’t recognize you, but you’re Tsukasa, aren’t you! You were here, too? You give off such a shabby aura, for a moment I thought some sort of vagrant had showed up!

Tsukasa: Oh, what’s this? The person speaking to me... could it be Tori-kun? My deepest apologies! I couldn’t see who it was, as you’re too short to enter my line of vision!

Tori: You pauper who can only boast about his family...!

Tsukasa: You tiny little speck, pretending like you’re worth something...! [1]

Hiyori: Alright, that’s enough, children! We’re somewhere fun, so I’d like it if you didn’t get all prickly with each other! That’s foul weather!

Tsukasa: Eh? Ah, yes...?

Tori: Hiyori-sama! It’s unusual to see you here, I didn’t know that you were going to show up this time!

Hiyori: Aha ♪ If anything, shouldn’t I, the carefree second son, be responsible for indulging in merrymaking at a party such as this one?

Well, when my older brother’s attending, I don’t want to trouble him so I usually respectfully decline my own invitation.

But this year, he said that he’d be busy with work, so it was a bit doubtful as to whether he could attend or not.

In addition, this year’s party is to celebrate the establishment of the Tenshouin family’s impressive enterprise - ES - as well as the great success of its biggest event, “SS.”

And as for me, someone who was essentially the White Team’s representative during “SS“ - I pretty much have to participate, right? In the eyes of the general public, I’m seen as one of the protagonists, am I not?

Of course, that goes for you two as well. Everyone’s just itching to hear us talk about ES and “SS,” aren’t they?

In financial circles, ES has gotten so big that there’s no way it can be ignored anymore.

Tsukasa: “SS”—

Tori: ..........

Hiyori: Hm? I know that Tori-kun was feeling under the weather during the main battle of “SS,” so it’s clear why he looks so disappointed... but why the long face, Tsukasa-kun of the Suou household?

Tsukasa: Haah... my apologies, Hiyori-sama.

Certainly, we Knights were, in our own way, able to contribute a marvelous showing during the main event.

Thanks to the many Lessons we went through together with Trickstar, when we stood alongside them, we were able to work together very smoothly—

Here and now, us Knights are proud to have shown a wonderful Performance.

However, there are still some things I am ashamed about. Such as our utter defeat at the hands of Crazy:B in the qualifying round...

I am unable to unabashedly rejoice and proclaim that everything went smoothly, and we all lived happily ever after.

Hiyori: Fufu. Well, there’s not a single unit who was in “SS” who can say that everything, from beginning to end, was a great success that went exactly as planned, now is there?

Our Eden is no exception. In the end, it was kind of forcibly undecided, but up until the middle of the main event the White Team went through a whole string of losses.

It kind of feels like our dignity as the overwhelming champions was wounded, you know?

People might start thinking “they act all self-important, but they’re not such a big deal after all,” or something.

Tsukasa: I don’t think that’s true at all.

Tori: Yeah, yeah! In my eyes, Eden was always shining, dazzling and far away - like, I was totally no match for you.

Tsukasa: Indeed. Though, to be frank, “SS” was an event where everyone was up to their eyeballs in their own affairs—

There was no time to pay attention to the situations of the other Units, or the reaction from the public.

Even so, new jobs keep flooding in, and we were not granted the breathing room to organize our thoughts about what happened. We were all forcibly returned to the hectic work of our daily lives—

And anything and everything about “SS” seemed to vanish into the mist, just like a dream.

Tori: I know, right~ Somehow, it really did seem like we were all dreaming.

Hiyori: Ahaha. I think it’s better to reset your mind and return to our daily lives as soon as possible. “SS” was an ephemeral dream, a single moment of something extraordinary.

If you’re imprisoned inside that dream forever, it’ll get in the way of the rest of your life.

And so that doesn’t happen, we have this party to help reset us back to normal. If we have fun playing around and eating delicious food, it’ll alleviate our exhaustion.

In order to do our best as idols tomorrow, too, we’ll recharge our batteries.

In Anzu-chan’s case, she’ll have to do her best as a producer. That’s why she was able to be invited here, though she’s not really an aristocrat, right? Not that I care about something like that.

Eichi: —That's exactly right.

Fufu. As always, you understand my feelings far better than anyone else could, Hiyori-kun.

Hiyori: Oh, Eichi-kun, you were here? I haven’t seen hide nor hair of you for so long, I thought you’d gone and died somewhere!

Eichi: ...You know, you say that every time we meet. Do you really want me dead that badly?

Hiyori: Huh? No way, you’re being way too self-conscious. It doesn’t matter one bit to me whether you’re dead or alive!

Tori: ...Hm? What’s up, Anzu? Why are you laughing?

Huh? You think that the atmosphere between me and Tsukasa is similar to the atmosphere between Eichi-sama and Hiyori-sama? What do you mean?

I don’t really get it, but as long as Anzu’s smiling, I’m glad~ You’ve seemed kind of downcast for a while now, so I was worried.

Huh? “That’s my line,” you say?

Yeah... I, too, wanna go back to the way I usually am, laughing innocently just like before.

But it’s still... difficult, right now.

Literally “speck of bean dust painted in gold leaf”. It’s... clumsy wording in English, to say the least.

[tomoyajpeg]

A Friend, A Detour, A Way Home - Part Two

Tsukasa: (Onee-sama... ah, there she is.)

Onee—

Tori: Ah, it’s Anzu! Heeeey, Anzu~ ♪

You didn’t think you were gonna see me here, huh? You must be sooo happy, right? Ehehe♪

Tsukasa: (Th-that’s unfair...! Tori-kun may have gotten to her first, but the one Onee-sama made a promise with is me!)

Tetora: Ahaha. Tori’s always kind of a clingy little squirrel around Angeo, huh?

Tsukasa: Indeed. No matter how much time passes, it seems like he will always be a spoiled child.

Midori: ...Suou-kun, aren’t you walking kinda fast, all of a sudden?

Tsukasa: Y-you’re just imagining things.

Thank you for your hard work, Onee-sama. I look forward to working with you today.

...You were surprised because I arrived with such a large amount of people, I see. You have my deepest apologies for startling you.

Though we have a photoshoot scheduled for today, may I suggest that we partake in their assistance and take photographs of us all playing at the “arcade” after school?

Fufu. I’m honored by your compliments. "We'll be able to take some good "high school student"-like photos there," you say?

...So this is, indeed, the way high school students spend their time.

No, it’s nothing. Well, then, let us proceed, Onee-sama.

Time: 30 minutes later...

Tsukasa: So, this is the "arcade?"

Tsukasa: I see. Just as I’ve been told, there are indeed a great variety of Games here.

I would also like to try playing one. Harukawa-kun, may I ask you to inform me of the etiquette needed for an arcade?

Sora: Etiquette? The rules are different depending on what game it is, but first, you should put money in the game machine you want to play on~

Tsukasa: I understand. To start out, I shall try that on this nearby Game machine.

...Hm? I cannot locate the Card slot.

Shinobu: Yes, you can’t use a credit card. Usually, games like these take something like a 100-yen coin.

Tsukasa: I-is that so? I tend to make most of my payments by Card, so I instinctively...

I do carry some physical currency on me, just in case, but I don’t seem to have any 100-yen coins...

What is it, Onee-sama? ...Hm. I see, if I use that currency exchange machine over there, I will be able to acquire a 100-yen coin.

I’ll go do that, so please do whatever you’d like, everyone.

Midori: So it’s a free period, then. Okay, then maybe I’ll go check out that crane game...

When we went by, I saw that there were mascot character plushies... ♪

Tetora: I’m gonna take on that arm-wrestling machine!

Today, I’m gonna see if I can beat the unshakable record of that legendary player, “ADNS”~!

Sora: Sora will play that candy-catching game over there! Sora’s going to get a present for Shisho~

Shinobu: I will be challenging a rhythm game! I’ll aim for the position of Bongo Master... ☆

Tori: Oh, can I come along too? That game looks super embarrassing to play all by yourself, so I've never tried.

Time: After a little while...

Tsukasa: (...Everyone looks like they’re having fun.)

(But, I...)

.......

.......? Ah, Onee-sama.

Why am I not playing anything? Um...

...To be honest, I’m not sure what I should do. Even though you asked me to take pictures of myself when I am acting as a “high school student”—

In the end, I was unable to find a solution by myself. The academy is simply a place for learning, and I don’t really have friends who spend time with me after school.

Seeing that I was troubled, Harukawa-kun reached out to me. I was only able to get this far riding on the coattails of everyone’s suggestions.

While being swept along, I found myself here. I was unable to conduct myself like a normal high school student.

...Why are you beckoning me this way? “There’s somewhere I want to take you to,” you say?

Of course. I shall accompany you anywhere you wish, Onee-sama.

Location: A different floor of the arcade...

Tsukasa: This is...? There are quite a few of these large, box-like machines lined up in a row.

“Pur*kura”... I see. One can take pictures of themself using a Camera~, and then print them out. [1]

! This poster says “No Boys Allowed”! I must make my exit quickly, then...

Why have you stopped me? ...That only applies to unaccompanied males?

...As long as one is with a girl, then it is fine, I see. Certainly, that is indeed written on the poster as well... I apologize for jumping to an incorrect conclusion so hastily.

First, insert the money... Do you decide on what kind of photograph to take while outside of the machine?

Portrait mode, Filter effects...? I don’t quite understand these options...

...Alright, I’ve done it. Next, let us enter and take our photographs. After you, Onee-sama.

Oh, there are words displayed on the screen... “Follow the instructions for a perfect picture! ☆”

Fufu. As an Idol, photographs are my forte. I will respond perfectly, no matter what Pose I am given.

Say “meow meow” and imitate a cat...? This is the first time I have been assigned such a thing, u-um...

Meow, meow... ♪

Ugh. That ended up coming out quite awkwardly.

P-please do not laugh at me... Ah, the next instruction is here.

Please watch me! The next pose I make will be absolutely perfect!

Time: A few minutes later...

Tsukasa: ...Ohh. Not only can you change the background, but you can also enlarge your eyes and make your eyelashes longer, it seems.

So this is called a “touch-up.” ...Come to think of it, Narukami-senpai has said something like that before. ☆ [2]

I recall her smiling happily while looking in the dressing room mirror, saying “Touch-up successful!”

At the time, I had wondered why her "touch" was "up", but now I understand... Unexpectedly, I was able to resolve the questions I had.

Now, all that’s left is to wait for the pictures to be completed... oh, are they already finished?

So this is my first “Pur*kura”... ♪

Fufu. I followed Onee-sama’s recommendation and added a filter, but it’s fascinating how it almost looks as if I am someone else entirely.

Is this how I appeared, taking these photographs? “You may have been taking cues from someone else, but you looked like you were having fun, like a high schooler,” you say...

I’m certain that is because Onee-sama was by my side.

For the Suou family, for work, for publicity... My photographs are usually for the sake of someone else.

Even the photographs that I take myself are all of scenery, or animals. I rarely take pictures of myself.

That’s why I’m truly happy to have been able to take a picture with you like this.

Thank you very much, Onee-sama... ♪

—That’s right, isn’t it. This is a place where one does not have to act formally, and can play around without a care in the world.

Just like how Onee-sama invited me to take a “Pur*kura” together, I should spend time with everyone without feeling hesitant.

Therefore... your hand, please, Onee-sama.

Fufu. You, too, are a high school student. That’s the appropriate age to play together with your friends at an “arcade,” is it not?

Let us seal away all the troublesome matters of everyday life, and enjoy ourselves for now.

Purikura, short for "print club," is a photo booth machine where you add filters and can draw on the photos after you've taken them. Once you're done, the machine prints the photos out as stickers.

In JP, he calls it “盛る,” slang for making yourself look cuter than usual, specifically by applying things like heavy makeup or photo filters.

[tomoyajpeg]

A Friend, A Detour, A Way Home - Part One

Tsukasa: ......

(This is quite the troublesome matter... Though I know that fiddling with my Smartphone is impolite, I’m so distracted by my own thoughts that I cannot concentrate on eating.)

(I should wrap this up quickly and relocate to somewhere quiet.)

(...However, it can be hard to come up with Ideas when one is on their own.)

(Even last night, as I was deep in thought in the Book Room, I was unable to keep from nodding off.)

(It appears that Tenshouin-onii-sama, who happened to be passing by, was about to cover me with a blanket, and I was so embarrassed that I rushed to apologize.)

(I was so flustered that everything I’d been thinking about was blown away, and so my mind was returned to a blank slate.)

(Haah... What should I do...?)

Sora: Tsuka-chan, hello! Sora is looking for an empty seat~ Is it alright if Sora shares your table?

Tsukasa: Harukawa-kun. I don’t mind at all - please, by all means.

Sora: HaHa~ Thank you! Tsuka-chan is always so nice~

Something’s weird, though~ Tsuka-chan’s “color” never changes, no matter what happens, but today’s “color” seems really heavy.

Are you in a bad mood? Sweet stuff is the best cure for when you’re all grouchy, so Sora will share his fruit sandwich he bought with you~

Tsukasa: Fruit Sandwich........ ♪ It does look delicious, but you offering it to me in the first place is enough for me. Thank you, but I’m alright.

I wouldn’t say that I’m in a bad mood... Actually, I’m just a little troubled over my own Feature Live.

Ah, I say that, but there is no trouble with the Live itself.

There have been no mistakes in the rehearsals for the actual performance, and my new “personalized outfit” is also simply wonderful. I’m sure the guests will all be thoroughly satisfied.

...The issue lies with the Pamphlet that will be released alongside the Live.

After school today, Onee-sama and I are supposed to take some photographs that will be included in the Pamphlet.

“I want to take photos of the “high school student Suou Tsukasa,” and not the idol,” was her request.

Sora: The plain old Tsuka-chan, huh~ So, what’s the problem?

Tsukasa: ...No matter how much I think on it, I do not believe my life is something suitable to show off in photographs.

On days that I have work scheduled, I go directly from the academy to the job site's location. On days that I do not, I immediately return to the dormitory.

Is there anyone who would rejoice when presented with a daily life such as that...?

Sora: Tsuka-chan’s fans would rejoice. Sora thinks that they would be happy to have a glimpse of Tsuka-chan’s everyday life~?

But, just going straight back to the dorms... You don’t ever hang out with your friends after school?

Tsukasa: F-friends... `

Sora: Yes! Tsuka-chan seems like he has a wide circle of friends, after all.

Tsukasa: (Friends... Well, if we are speaking of those in the “Sweets Fan Club...”)

(...No, what Onee-sama has requested is the high school student version of myself.)

(Those who I do not spend much time with outside of Circle activities likely do not count, and Oukawa isn’t really a schoolmate of mine. So, aside from them...)

.......

Sora: .......?

.......

.......Okay, then after school today, you should hang out with Sora! If you don’t know how to spend your time, then Sora will teach you!

HiHi~ ♪ Since we have the chance, let’s invite some other people, too! It’ll be more fun with more friends!

Tsukasa: Um. Won’t it trouble them, to invite them so suddenly?

The photoshoot is already scheduled for today, but isn’t it possible that they have prior arrangements?

Sora: You’ll never know if they have plans or not unless you ask them first. Just asking never hurt anyone, right?

Let’s call out to everyone once you’re done eating!

Time: Ten minutes later...

Tsukasa: (...Despite having Harukawa-kun’s vigorous initiative as a model for how I should act, I’m not very used to doing something like this.)

(Even now, I’m still leaving all the talking to him...)

Sora: —And that's why we’re going to take pictures for Tsuka-chan’s pamphlet~

Tetora-chan, Mido-chan, Shinobu-chan! If you’re free, come play with Sora and Tsuka-chan! Do you have time after school?

Tetora: Yeah, sure thing~ What do you guys wanna play?

Sora: Um, so, we haven’t thought about that part yet~? Tsuka-chan, do you have any requests?

Tsukasa: Asking me out of the blue like that, um...

I have none. Or, rather, I do not know what to say... I have not had very many opportunities to play around with those around my age.

Midori: That’s surprisingly lonely, huh. Even though Knights...

Tsukasa: What do you mean by “even though Knights?”

Midori: Well, Knights all seem kinda hype all the time... or, at least, they’re not all gloomy or anything...

Shinobu: Heheh. When hearing of excitement or shade, the ninja blood in my veins begins to act up~[1]

Fortunately, today happens to be a day where Ryuseitai has no prior commitments! Therefore, we have more free time than we know what to do with. You have my gratitude for your invitation!

Tetora: Hey, if you haven’t decided on a place yet, how about going to an arcade? That’s a pretty classic after-school hangout spot. ☆

Tsukasa: Ar... Arcade...?

Sora: An amusement arcade~ It’s an establishment that has a lot of different games in it!

Tsukasa: I see, so that sort of place is called an “arcade.” I shall remember that.

Do they have the kind of Shooting Game that I recall Harukawa-kun once telling me about?

Sora: Of course! FPS and TPS, they have all kinds of shooting games!

And there’s lots of other fun games, too! It’s decided: we’ll go to the arcade after school~ ♪

Time: After school...

Tsukasa: (Oh, I have a Message on my Smartphone...)

(It’s from Onee-sama. ...As promised, we’ll meet on time by the main gate, she says.)

(“I shall be looking forward to meeting with you at the appointed time.”... No, that’s a little too formal, isn’t it?)

(And “okay, later then” seems too blunt. Hmmm...)

(Oh, of course! I can just reply with a Sticker, as Leo-san does.)

(He seems to find it too troublesome to type actual letters, so from time to time I will only receive Stickers in reply.)

(If it were just that, there wouldn’t be a problem, but he tends to waste time by sending multiple consecutive Stickers in a row. It’s a little troublesome.)[2]

(...And, sent. Now then, I should prepare to go—)

Tori: Hey, Tsukasa.

Tsukasa: ? What is it, Tori-kun?

Tori: Um, so, I just heard about it from Shinobu, but... Is it true that you’re going to go to an arcade with Anzu and the rest?

Tsukasa: Yes, what about it?

Tori: Hm~mm... So even Tsukasa would deign to go somewhere that stinks of commoners, huh?

Well, you are from a trivial little family that can only boast about how antiquated it is. If we’re talking about things that suit you, this definitely fits the bill~ Hehe.

Tsukasa: W-why are you suddenly picking a fight with me...

...Ahh, I understand. Are you, perhaps, jealous?

Tori: Hah?

Tsukasa: Are you envious that I’m going to spend time with my schoolmates? You don’t have very many friends, after all.

Tori: I-I have TONS of friends! Don’t lump me together with the likes of you!

Tsukasa: Yes, yes, that’s nice. Would you like to come along with us, Tori-kun?

Tori: Huh? Me too?

Tsukasa: Yes. Harukawa-kun has said that outings are more fun with more friends. Though you and I are certainly not friends, you can still help fill the headcount.

Tori: Really? Yay!

—Wait, no! Clearly I just have no other choice. If you’re going to say all that, then I GUESS I’ll tag along with you.

Only because I’ve got some time to kill, okay? You should be thankful~ ♪

Tsukasa: (What kind of an attitude is that...? I almost want to rescind my invitation.)

(...Well, it’s fine. Unlike you, Tori-kun, I am an adult. ♪)

Originally, Midori uses 陽キャ and 陰キャ, literally “yang chara” and “yin chara,” which is JP slang basically meaning extrovert and introvert, respectively. Shinobu gets excited about hearing yin and yang, but frankly I couldn’t think of a very good way to have this make total sense in English.

In case it’s not clear, he’s talking about, like, Line stickers.